Key Takeaways

  • JNU advises students and staff to refrain from attending Jantar Mantar protests.
  • The decision follows similar precautionary notices issued by DU and IIT Roorkee.
  • Violating court directives on gatherings may lead to legal and disciplinary action.

Quick Facts

  • NU issues Jantar Mantar advisory.
  • Warns of legal disciplinary action.
  • Follows notices from DU, IITs.
  • Focuses on student campus safety.


NEW DELHI: Joining a growing list of premier higher education institutions across the country, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has issued an official advisory directing its students, faculty, and administrative staff to refrain from gathering at or visiting protest sites near Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

The university administration emphasised personal safety, academic responsibility, and compliance with guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court regarding public demonstrations.

Citing Safety and Code of Conduct

In its circular, JNU urged all members of the campus community to act responsibly and prioritise their safety amid ongoing public demonstrations, particularly those surrounding allegations of paper leaks in the NEET examination.

The notice highlighted that members must observe caution while using social media platforms and warned that violations of applicable public gathering laws could lead to disciplinary proceedings under the university’s institutional code of conduct as well as external legal actions.

“Members of the campus community are advised to uphold the values of academic responsibility and responsible citizenship, abiding strictly by court guidelines regarding public demonstrations,” the advisory stated.

Wave of Campus Advisories

JNU’s directive comes shortly after similar measures were taken by Delhi University (DU) and IIT Roorkee, both of which cautioned their respective student bodies against participating in off-campus agitation at Jantar Mantar.

The notices across campuses have sparked varied reactions:

Teachers’ Opposition: The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) expressed reservations regarding the advisory, with leadership confirming plans to convene a general body meeting to discuss their official stance.

Political Pushback: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharply criticised Delhi University over its circular, posting on social media platform X: “How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights? Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes.”

Despite the friction, administration officials across institutions maintain that the measures are purely precautionary, aimed at preventing students from getting embroiled in law-and-order complications while court proceedings and official inquiries into the examination issues continue.